Sean Strickland is making it clear: the UFC rankings matter—and he's ready to prove it with his first title defense.

After reclaiming the middleweight championship at UFC 328 with a hard-fought split decision over Khamzat Chimaev, Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) is already looking ahead. Despite a broken nose from the bout, "Tarzan" knows exactly who he wants to face next: Nassourdine Imavov.

"I truly believe in UFC rankings," Strickland said at the UFC 328 post-fight press conference. "I think they f*cking matter. I hate when guys jump it. So if that's who the UFC wants, that's who it is. Let's go."

Imavov currently sits at No. 2 in the official UFC middleweight rankings and is riding an impressive six-fight unbeaten streak. His last loss? A short-notice bout at light heavyweight—against Strickland himself at UFC Fight Night 217 in January 2023. That history only adds fuel to this potential rematch.

So why not the No. 1 contender, former champion Dricus Du Plessis? Well, Du Plessis hasn't fought since losing the belt to Chimaev in August, and fan demand for a trilogy bout has been minimal. Strickland's logic is simple: follow the rankings, reward the hottest contender, and keep the division moving.

For Strickland, this isn't just about defending his belt—it's about building a legacy on merit. And if Imavov is the man standing next in line, he's ready to step up and prove the rankings are more than just a list.